QUICK TAKES

Sting is back on top of the charts — the Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart, to be more specific. A remix of his recently re-recorded 1985 solo classic “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” from his new My Songs collection was produced by Dave Aude and revamped for the dance market by Tom Stephan. The original version of the tune — and lead single from his solo debut — The Dream Of The Blue Turtles, topped out at Number Five in ’85.

Dave Aude explained: “When Sting asked me to produce for My Songs, I asked if I could work on ‘If You Love Somebody Set Them Free.’ It’s the only one that I totally flipped on its head, and the result is pure dancefloor magic. I’m beyond proud.” (Billboard)

On September 18th, Paul Simon will receive the Great Americans medal from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The presentation of the medal is part of the “Great Americans Award Program,” the museum’s emergent and signature honor. Simon will be the sixth honoree and the first musician to receive the award.

Anthea M. Hartig, the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the National Museum of American History, said in a statement: “Paul Simon has achieved something truly remarkable. Through the timelessness and poignancy of his music and his parallel dedication to understanding the beliefs and values of all peoples, Paul Simon has bridged cultures and generations in a way that beautifully exemplifies what it means to be a Great American.” (Press release)

John Fogerty will release a new live album, 50 Year Trip: Live At Red Rocks on November 8th. A concert film of the Red Rocks concert captured last June in Morrison, Colorado will be shown for one night theatrically — on Veterans Day, November 11th — via Fathom Events. Tickets will go on sale Friday, October 4th. (Fathom Events)

The tracklisting to 50 Year Trip: Live At Red Rocks is: “Born On The Bayou,” “Green River,” “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” “Susie Q,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Hey Tonight,” “Up Around The Bend,” “Rock And Roll Girls,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Long As I Can See The Light,” “Run Through The Jungle,” “Keep On Chooglin’,” “Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” “Down On The Corner,” “Centerfield,” “The Old Man Down The Road,” “Fortunate Son,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Proud Mary.”

Ringo Starr has unveiled the cover art to his 20th album, What’s My Name. The photo shows Ringo wearing a USPS John Lennon stamp pin. The album, which is set for an October 25th release, features him and Paul McCartney teaming up on one of Lennon’s final songs, 1980’s “Grow Old With Me.”

R.E.M. has released a previously unreleased 2004 track to raise money in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Rock Cellar posted, “‘Fascinating,’ the track — which was recorded at Bahamas’ Compass Point Studios — was put up for download in exchange for a $2 donation that will go to Mercy Corps and helping with the humanitarian aid in the Bahamas.”

Bassist Mike Mills said in statement: “I have been fortunate to spend many weeks working and playing in the Bahamas, making friends and lots of music there. It breaks my heart to see the damage wrought by Hurricane Dorian. Please help us and Mercy Corps do what we can to alleviate the suffering caused by this catastrophe.” (Rock Cellar)

Coming on November 1st is new 7-inch vinyl setVan Halen: The Japanese Singles 1978-1984. The collection features replicas of the 13 singles and B-Sides previously released exclusively in Japan from the band’s first six albums. The set is available on black vinyl and limited edition red vinyl available for pre-order via Rhino.com. Both versions have a suggested retail price of $129.98. (Press release)